Kansas City Chiefs x NOMINT

Case Study

In this Emmy-winning campaign, Kansas City Chiefs and the NOMINT joined forces to create holiday stories that felt authentic, joyful, and grounded in hand-made craft. 

The ambition was to connect with fans beyond the game, using storytelling to capture the warmth, humour, and togetherness of the season.

Across two holiday films—Hail Merry and Merry Mischief—we brought the Chiefs’ world to life through claymation, transforming familiar traditions and team spirit into cinematic, tactile experiences. Each film, directed by NOMINT director Dario Imbrogno, was built frame by frame, embracing the imperfections and charm that only physical animation can offer. 

The project went on to receive an Emmy Award, recognizing the power of craft-led storytelling at the highest level.

Seen and shared by millions of fans, the films became moments of collective celebration within Chiefs Kingdom, extending the team’s presence into homes during the holidays. The work demonstrates how carefully considered craft and storytelling can elevate brand narratives, creating emotional resonance and lasting cultural value.

"Merry Mischief" A Kingdom Christmas Short Film

A collaboration with the Elf on the Shelf

Kansas City Chiefs: Merry Mischief Dario Imbrogno

Merry Mischief returns to the Chiefs’ handcrafted universe with a playful, mischievous holiday narrative. This time, the calm of the festive season is disrupted by unexpected antics that ripple through the miniature world, turning everyday traditions into moments of surprise and delight. Full of character and charm, the film leans into comedy and movement, using tactile animation to celebrate joy, connection, and the shared rituals of the holidays—inviting fans to laugh, re-watch, and feel part of the celebration.

Kansas City Chiefs: Merry Mischief | Behind the Scenes Dario Imbrogno

A Kingdom Christmas Story: Hail Merry

An Emmy-Winning Handcrafted Holiday Story

Kansas City Chiefs - Hail Merry Dario Imbrogno

Hail Merry is a handcrafted claymation holiday film, directed by Dario Imbrogno, that brings the spirit of the Kansas City Chiefs to life through a warm, character-driven festive tale. Set in a miniature winter world, the story follows a hopeful holiday moment where belief, teamwork, and a little seasonal magic come together—echoing the anticipation of a last-second play. Animated entirely by hand, the film blends humour and heart, transforming the excitement of Chiefs fandom into a timeless Christmas story. Hail Merry was recognized with an Emmy Award, celebrating its exceptional craft and storytelling.

Kansas City Chiefs: Hail Merry | Behind the Scenes Dario Imbrogno

Awards

A KINGDOM CHRISTMAS STORY: HAIL MERRY
Emmy Arts & Entertainment - Short Form Content 2025Mid-America Emmy Awards
Bronze Winner Branded Entertainment/Content - Film (Scripted) Clio Sports
Bronze Winner Film Craft - Animation Clio Sports

Credits

A KINGDOM CHRISTMAS STORY: HAIL MERRY
CLIENT NFL Kansas City Chiefs
PRODUCTION NOMINT
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Christos Lefakis
DIRECTOR Dario Imbrogno
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Marilena Vatseri
CHARACTER DESIGN Michael Towers
PUPPETS MAKER Monica Fibbi
DOP Giancarlo Morieri
LEAD SET DESIGNER Elena Panigada
SET DESIGNER Maddalena Oppici
STOP-MOTION ANIMATORS Ste Lanyen & Dario Imbrogno
SET DESIGNER (BEACH SET) Chiara Derota
SET DESIGNER ASSISTANT NANA.LAB
PUPPET MAKER ASSISTANT Ina Marti
DOP ASSISTANT Naicol Perren
POST PRODUCTION Daniele Iacuitto & Mat Landour
COLOR GRADING Davide Loetro
CAMERA OPERATOR Matteo Stefan
SET ASSISTANT & BACKSTAGE Davide Bonaldo
ORIGINAL MUSIC COMPOSER & SFX Hybris Audi
MERRY MISCHIEF
CLIENT NFL Kansas City Chiefs
PRODUCTION COMPANY NOMINT
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Marilena Vatseri
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Christos Lefakis
DIRECTOR Dario Imbrogno
NARRATED BY Donna Kelce
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Giancarlo Morieri
SET DESIGN Elena Panigada
ASSISTANT SET DESIGNER Maddalena Oppici
STOP MOTION ANIMATORS Stefania Demicheli Dario Imbrogno
PUPPET FABRICATION Nanalab
ORIGINAL CHARACTER DESIGN Michael Towers
ADDITIONAL CHARACTER DESIGN Monica Fibbi
RUNNER & SET PREPARATION Chiara di Bella
POST PRODUCTION Daniele Iacuitto Tony Comley
COLOUR GRADING Davide Loverto
ORIGINAL MUSIC COMPOSITION & SOUND DESIGN Filippo Beretta
BEHIND THE SCENES FILM Davide Bonald
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